Doctor insights on:
Could Pulmonary Emboli Be Caused By Stress

1

No:
Stress is not one of the causes of pulmonary embolism. Most embolisms originate in the legs (90%) and some originate in the arms (10-15%). Main causes include immobility, oral contraceptives, hip/knee surgery, right heart dysfunction, cancer and inheritable/genetic abnormalities. Stress causes a lot of medical conditions but embolism is not one of them.
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Stress affects most people in some way. Acute (sudden, short-term) stress leads to rapid changes throughout the body. Almost all body systems (the heart and blood vessels, immune system, lungs, digestive system, sensory organs, and brain) gear up to meet perceived danger. These stress responses could prove beneficial in a critical, life-or-death situation. Over time, however, repeated stressful situations put a strain on the body that may contribute to physical and psychological problems. Chronic (long-term) stress can have real health consequences and should be addressed like any other health concern. Fortunately, research is showing that lifestyle changes and stress-reduction techniques can help people learn to manage their stress.
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2

YES:
Increased weight can cause impaired blood return from the venous system of the legs or pelvis where clots can form and then migrate to the lung as a pulmonary embolism. Obesity may also impair heart function also increasing the risk for pulmonary embolism.
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3

Possible:
Any severe anxiety can lead to heart attack. It is always better avoid such situations and /or learn to cope. Simple claustrophobia is okay, but someone with extreme anxiety due to any problems should consult a doctor.
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4

No.:
They might be caused by holding your breath or yelling or other physical exertion but stress alone shouldn't cause them. If you have veins in your chest showing for no reason - see your doctor. This may be a sign of a deeper blockage such as superior vena cava syndrome.
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7

Unlikely:
Atrial fibrillation can be provoked (though only in part) by certain stress and relaxation states, but since you don't have control of those in a dream, it's probably not worth worrying about.
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9

Several methods of:
stress testing are available, stress echo is one of them. But real answer is with angiography, a more invasive and dangerous test. Consult with a cardiologist for specific advice, depending on your symptoms and personal/family history.
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10

Dyspnoea:
Allergies can cause dyspnoea if a person gets a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Some times allergies may precipitate Asthma and cause dyspnoea . people may need to contact the family doctor is they are not sure about the cause for their dyspnoea as some of the sinister medical condition can present with dyspnoea.
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14

No:
There is no disease than can be caused to a patient undergoing a regular MRI without contrast. There is a very rare disease called nephrogenic systemic fibrosis that can occur in patients with severe kidney disease who get the MRI contrast. However, this complication occurs whether or not the patient undergoes the MRI itself.
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16

Yes.:
Palpitations, or feeling that the heart is pounding or racing is a fairly common symptom of hyperthyroidism. Other common symptoms include feeling hot, tremors or shakiness, feeling jittery, trouble sleeping, irritability, as well as either weight loss or weight gain, and tiring easily.
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17

Yes....:
If the pulmonary edema is of rapid onset and is extensive, it could be life-threatening. If this diagnosis is suspected, an evaluation by a doctor is needed asap, perhaps even in the er if symptoms are severe.
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18

Yes:
Some folks have coronary arteries that are particularly spasmotic which can lead to poor blood flow to the heart (a heart attack) - also known as prinzmetal's angina. Fortunately, this is rare. Emotional stress can also cause a cardiomyopathy - known as takotsubo, which is not a heart attack per sey but can lead to many of the same symptoms.That aside, stress = high BP = increased risk of attack.
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20

It's possible:
Hypertension is a known side effect of venlafaxine and it's risk increases with higher doses and is thought to be due to the norepinephrine (noradrenaline) effects of the medication. It's helpful to take blood pressure readings over many days to see if it stays elevated There are many causes of hypertension, so it's good to speak with a GP or psychiatrist in case further investigation is needed.
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